Special Temples

Though the Narasimhamoorthy temple (on the northern side) is separted by a wall, the two temples are interconnected. The fairly large, square-shaped, copper-roofed Sreekovil is built of granite.The Namaskaramandapam is ornamented with sculptures of lotus blooms. The granite pillars on the Mandapam also feature highly imaginative carvings. One stone pillar carries the image of Deepalakshmi. The sculptures and murals on the outer walls of the Sreekovil are so beautiful, they will take your breath away. Kerala's age-old tradition in temple architecture is reflected here.

The walls of the Sreekovil are adorned with sculptures of elephant heads at regular intervals. Two of the elephants are with their trunks down, while the rest have their trunks raised. This may have been done to avoid monotony.

The idol of Sudarsanamoorthy features four arms, each carrying a different object: a conch shell, a chakra (discus), a gadha (mace) and a lotus bloom.

The foreground of the temple is spacious and paved with rough-hewn granite slabs. The Namaskaramandapam is also fittingly large and impressive. On the ceiling of this Mandapam are exquisitely carved figures of Ashtadikpalakas (guardians of the eight directions) with Lord Brahma in the middle.

A characteristic feature of Kerala temple architecture is that many Sreekovils contain more than one chamber. The large, circular Sreekovil contains three enclosures. Two circumambulatory paths go around the Garbhagriha. On one of them are some tall, granite pillars. A casual observer may not see the Dwarapalas (entrace guards) at first. They are installed within the veranda adjoining the Sreekovil.